Giants now three from three in Inter-City series

Cross Country Rentals Giants have made a flying start to their Inter-City series men's softball campaign this season.
They played a double header at Haitaitai Park in Wellington on Saturday and their wins over Newlands and Poneke-Kilbirnie means they have now won three from three in a competition which involves the top club sides from both Wellington and Hutt Valley.
Terry Waitere was the outstanding player in Giants's 5-4 win over Newlands.
He was the first up batter in their opening innings and after hitting a three baser was brought home by Ritchie Clarke.
A Joseph O'Leary hit scored Clarke to give Giants a 2-0 lead and then Waitere made home base again to have them up 3-0.
Newlands then struck back to trail by just 2-3 but further solid batting by Giants, in particular Justin Karaitiana, ensured they kept their noses in front.
Karaitiana also starred in the role of pitcher, striking out 13 batters in a consistent display.
Giants coach Tony Nixon was delighted with the way Giants responded to the stern challenge offered them by Newlands, saying that while the final score was close he was always confident his team would win.
"We got in front early and never panicked when they closed things up, that was the key to it," he said.
A powerful batting effort laid the foundations for Giants's 9-6 victory over Poneke-Kilbirnie.
They scored no fewer than four home runs with Ryan Shannahan, Ritchie Clarke, Justin Karaitiana and Joseph O'Leary all doing the business in that respect.
Shannahan actually finished with the perfect record of three safe hits from as many turns at bat with Clarke, O'Leary and Gordon Wilmshurst displaying impressive consistency as well.
Pitching this match for Giants was Ritchie Clarke and he took 13 strikeouts while conceding just the two safe hits in a game which was played in bitterly cold conditions, a direct contrast to the Newlands match where the weather was warm and sunny.
Reflecting on the two games coach Nixon said Giants's effort to score 14 runs was a trend they were keen to continue.
"Batting is all about confidence and the more runs you get the better the confidence becomes," he said.
The Giants under-15 boys team also had a win on Saturday while the premier two and President's grade teams were on the losing end.